I. noun(pluralzanies)Etymology: Italian zanni, a traditional masked clown, from Italian dialect Zanni, nickname for Italian Giovanni JohnDate: 15881. a subordinate clown or acrobat in old comedies who mimics ludicrously the tricks of the principal ;merry-andrew2. a slavish follower ;toady3.a. one who acts the buffoon to amuse others
b.nut, kookII. adjective(zanier; -est)Date: 16091. being or having the characteristics of a zany
2. fantastically or absurdly ludicrous <